Gomel, Belarus 🇧🇾
#668
52.423893, 31.013169
Nomad Score:
57%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Gomel is the second-largest city in Belarus, located in the southeastern part of the country, known for its rich history and beautiful parks. |
| 👥 Population | Approximate population is 360,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20-30 Mbps, suitable for basic remote work. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Belarusian Ruble (BYN), 1 EUR ≈ 3.05 BYN. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is drinkable, but it's advisable to use a water filter. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity supply is 220V, 50Hz, with Type C/E sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major mobile providers include MTS, velcom, and life:). |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common banking options for expats are Belagroprombank and Belarusbank; international cards may be used at major ATMs. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Accommodation options include Airbnb, local rentals, and hotels like Renaissance Gomel. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are increasingly accepted, especially in urban areas and shopping centers. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local property management companies offer short-term rentals at affordable rates. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable budget accommodation options include Hostel Grodno and various guesthouses. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Work Hard Gomel, featuring reliable Wi-Fi, private offices, and community events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Serebryanaya Kaza with good coffee and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local tech meetups organized through Facebook groups like Gomel Tech. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular meetups for expats can be found on platforms like Internations. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Yandex.Taxi is the most popular and reliable ride-hailing app. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available through companies like Velocentr and at various local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beaches are on the Sozh River, about 15 mins away by bike. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Belavia Airlines operates regional flights from Gomel Airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Belavia also offers international routes including to major European cities. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Gomel is connected via the M10 highway facilitating easy access to other cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Gomel Railway Station is the main hub for regional and national train services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Monthly public transport passes are available at low prices (approx. 10 BYN). |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and trains connect Gomel with cities like Minsk, Brest, and Vitebsk. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Gomel City Hospital provides comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio 'Hatha' offers various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | World Class Gym offers modern fitness facilities and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at several local salons like 'Clean&Shine.' |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Delivery Club is the preferred food delivery service in Gomel. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Baba is a traditional Belarusian dish worth trying. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Cafe Luch offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Confectionery 'Svetlana' is famous for its pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets such as Central Market offer affordable fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Wildberries and Ozon are popular online shopping platforms. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is available via platforms like Eda.ua. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The area around Pravaslavnaya Street features several lively pubs and bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Brewery 'Gomel' offers tours and tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Bar 'U Leni' specializes in local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Food carts at Concert Hall area offer diverse street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzeria 'Peperoni' serves popular Italian dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Gomel Palace and Park complex is a must-see for its architecture and gardens. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Gomel Regional Museum of History and Ethnography showcases local heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Old Castle of Gomel is a key historical landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Holy Transfiguration Cathedral is worth visiting for its architecture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | City Day celebrated in September features various cultural festivities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The historical center of Gomel is rich in cultural landmarks. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Gomel Regional Drama Theater presents regular performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Daily markets provide a glimpse of local life and products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at venues like the Gomel Philharmonic Hall. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals and urban art can be found around city center. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes are available at 'Taste of Belarus'. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Art Gallery 'Dumka' hosts local and international exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The former Gomel Governor's Palace is a beautiful architectural site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Gomel is known for its rich cultural traditions and folk music. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Mikhailovsky Park is a great local nature escape within the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Pripyatsky National Park is about an hour's drive from Gomel. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Walking and cycling paths along the Sozh River are scenic. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the riverbanks for beautiful sunsets and views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Pripyat River is known for its birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas in Mikhailovsky Park allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post offices and services like DHL are available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech repair services can be found at shops like IT World. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have ping pong tables available for use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like 'Focus' offer classes in English and Russian. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Gomel Central Library is a quiet place for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community center 'Horizon' hosts various events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | City gaming lounges provide gaming opportunities with modern setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino 'Gomel' offers various gambling options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €48,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €32,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €90,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €60,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €1,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €128,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €1,100 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €88,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | The corporate tax rate is 18%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The dividend withholding tax rate is 12%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Belarus follows a territorial tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | The maximum personal income tax rate is 13%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 20%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply to CFCs. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Standard tax rate is 2% for property transactions. |